Ricky Rubio Agrees To Terms With Timberwolves

Rubio after being picked 5th in 2009

After two years of negotiations, Timberwolves boss David Kahn appears to have finally convinced Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio to come to the frozen tundra of Minnesota.   Details are yet to be released, but the AP confirmed that Rubio has agreed to come to the NBA after two years of playing for FC Barcelona.

Rubio joined Barcelona after being drafted by the Timberwolves 5th overall two seasons ago, when he chose to stay in europe over coming to the NBA.  He cited a nearly $6,000,000 buyout from his previous team, DKV Joventut as well as his preference to play on the east coast as reasons why.  These past two years, however, is what makes this so interesting.  Since making the jump in 2009, it appears that Rubio's stats have leveled off or even regressed.  In fact, in Euroleague play this year, Rubio only averaged 3.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 6.5 points per game.  While the argument exists that 'its a different game over there', those still arent impressive numbers.  How many elite point guards do you know that average 3.5 assists?  Yet, there still may be hope.  The guy is only 20, and if put in a good situation could show us all that he has the talent we once hoped he did.

There are a few questions as to what caliber of Timberwolves team Rubio will join next year.  Most notably, what will they do in the draft and via free agency?  What happens with Johnny Flynn now that Rubio is finally here?

That remains to be seen.  But what we will get to see is if Rubio will ever live up to his hype of 2009.

Dunk of the Week

Clippers rookie phenom Blake Griffin throws down a MONSTER alley-oop from Baron Davis December 21st, 2010

Free Kevin Love!

For weeks sports writer Bill Simmons has filled up the Twitter world with discussion of Timberwolves PF Kevin Love.  His 18.0 PPG and 14.60 RPG would almost certainly gain him starting minutes on most teams, never mind the lowly T-Wolves.  Yet coach Kurt Rambis is hesitant to start him... much to the dismay of most Wolves fans.  The question is, after Loves 31-31 night, can Rambis still justify not starting him?  After all, it's a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 1982 by Moses Malone.  Even more impressive, the past 4 30-30+ games have been by Malone, Malone, Robert Parish and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  (Perhaps even more interesting, 2 of the last 5 30-30 games have been against the Knicks).  If Rambis keeps benching Love it can only be a matter of time before the ultimate team player starts demanding a trade.  If the Wolves plan on turning anything around, they'll wise up and start Mr. Love.

-SportsBank